"The Greater Everglades Ecosystem" Photography Contest

The Florida Oceanographic Society was pleased to announce the winners of the 2nd Annual Photography Contest on National Estuaries Day at the Coastal Center. This year the contest focused on the Greater Everglades Ecosystems, which includes the Kissimmee River watershed, Lake Okeechobee, the St. Lucie River and the Caloosahatchee River, the southern Indian River Lagoon, Big Cypress National Preserve, and the wetlands from Lake Okeechobee south to the Florida Bay.
 
First Place in the animal division was won by Joanne Williams of Lighthouse Point. Her photograph "My Prince” showcased the electric colors of a tree frog against the backdrop of a stunningly beautiful flower.
 
Crystal A. Samuel from Fort Pierce was the First Place winner in the landscape division, with her photograph "River Beauty,” which captured the magnificence of the shoreline of the St. Lucie River.
 

In addition to having their photographs framed, the winners received a one-year family membership to the Florida Oceanographic Society which enables three generations to gain free admittance to the Coastal Center for an entire year. The photographs will remain on display at the Coastal Center, open seven days a week, through June 1st. Entrants who would like to pick up their prints may do so at the admissions desk through October 31st.

This year's focus on the Greater Everglades Ecosystems will draw attention to the interconnectivity of the many waterways throughout the state, which at first glance appear to be independent systems. There have been dramatic changes to the ecosystems, and the diverse habitats and wildlife found throughout are frequently the ones that define Florida as a desirable destination to people worldwide, emphasizing the need to appreciate them.

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